basketball
basketball
Pronunciation
basketball /'bæs.kɪtˌbɔl/
bas-: /'bæs/
ket-: /kɪt/
ball: /bɔl/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: basketball
Plural Noun: basketballs
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A team sport played between two teams of five players on a rectangular court, where the objective is to shoot a ball through the opponent's hoop while preventing them from doing the same.
Synonyms: hoops (informal), b-ball (informal), roundball (informal)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a sport, as it describes an activity.)
Definition: The inflated spherical ball used in the sport of basketball, typically made of leather or synthetic material, and designed to be dribbled and shot through a hoop.
Synonyms: hoop ball, court ball
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a specific type of ball.)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He spent his formative years devouring books about strategy, and watching every basketball game he could find, analyzing plays and player movements." (Fictional example, but representative of common usage in narrative)
"The enduring appeal of basketball as a global phenomenon is explored in depth, highlighting its cultural impact from urban courts to international arenas." (Excerpt from a non-fiction sports analysis book)
Newspapers:
"The Boston Celtics clinched their record-breaking 18th NBA basketball championship last night in a thrilling Game 6." (The New York Times)
"Local high school prepares for the upcoming basketball season with new coaching staff and a renewed focus on defensive play."
Online Publications:
"Five reasons why analytics are transforming modern basketball strategy." (ESPN.com)
"From streetball to the pros: how technology is changing the way we consume basketball content." (Sports Business Journal Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television (Sports Broadcast): "And it's a deep three-pointer! What an incredible basketball shot to win the game!" (Commentary during an NBA game broadcast on TNT or ABC)
Film: "He's a natural talent, a future basketball star destined for the Hall of Fame." (Dialogue from a sports drama film like Hoosiers or Coach Carter)
Video Games: "Welcome to NBA 2K25, the most realistic basketball simulation ever created." (Loading screen text/marketing material for a 2K Sports video game)
Music: "I got that flow, smooth as a basketball dribble." (Lyric from a hip-hop song referencing the sport)
Social Media: "Just saw the most amazing dunk in today's basketball game! #NBA #Basketball" (Tweet or Instagram caption)
General Public Discourse:
"Do you want to play basketball at the park later?" (Casual conversation between friends)
"My son is obsessed with basketball; he watches every game and practices constantly." (Parent discussing their child's hobby)
"I prefer basketball over football because it's so much faster-paced." (Discussion about sports preferences)
10 Famous Quotes Using Basketball
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." (Michael Jordan, referring to his basketball career)
"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." (Michael Jordan, often related to his drive in basketball)
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do." (Kobe Bryant, on his approach to basketball and life)
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." (Michael Jordan, a common theme in basketball philosophy)
"A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That's why they don't get what they want." (Kobe Bryant, applicable to his ambition in basketball)
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." (Wayne Gretzky, though a hockey quote, it's widely adopted and applicable to basketball and shooting)
"I'm not a savior. I'm a kid who loves playing basketball." (LeBron James, early in his career)
"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me." (Jim Valvano, a legendary basketball coach)
"What distinguishes a great player is his ability to make his teammates better." (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on the essence of team basketball)
"The game of basketball has been everything to me. My place of refuge, a source of personal fulfillment, and the arena in which I've learned to push the limits of my potential." (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
Etymology
The word "basketball" has a very straightforward and relatively recent origin, directly reflecting how the game was invented.
It's a combination of two simple English words: "basket" and "ball."
The game was invented by Dr. James Naismith in December 1891, at the International Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a physical education instructor looking for a new indoor sport that wasn't as rough as football or soccer to keep his students active during the harsh New England winters.
For the first game, Naismith used two peach baskets as goals, which he nailed to the railing of the gym balcony (about 10 feet high). The players would then try to throw a soccer ball into these baskets.
One of the players, Frank Mahan, suggested the name "basketball" to Naismith, who readily agreed because it perfectly described the key elements of the new game: you used a ball and aimed it at a basket.
So, the first known use and meaning of the word "basketball" emerged directly from its invention in 1891, simply referring to the game where you throw a ball into a basket.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Basketball
Full-court press: (Originally a basketball defensive strategy) To apply intense, widespread, and relentless pressure in any situation.
Slam dunk: (From basketball, a powerful dunk) An action or decision that is definitively successful, impressive, or easy to achieve.
Nothing but net: (From basketball, a perfect shot) An exceptionally successful or flawless outcome, often with ease.
Air ball: (From basketball, a shot that misses everything) A complete failure or a totally ineffective attempt.
Benchwarmer: (From basketball, a player who rarely plays) Someone who is part of a team or group but plays a minor, inactive, or uninfluential role.
Calling a foul: (From basketball, accusing an opponent of breaking a rule) To accuse someone of unfair play or an improper action.
Court vision: (From basketball, a player's awareness of the game) The ability to understand and assess a situation comprehensively and quickly.
On the rebound: (From basketball, getting the ball after a missed shot) Recovering after a setback, failure, or breakup.
To get schooled (on the court): (From basketball, being completely outplayed) To be decisively defeated or shown up, especially in a learning or competitive context.
Game on! (Often associated with the start of a basketball or other competitive game) An exclamation indicating that a challenge or competition is beginning.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of basketball from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
